Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Hayward is 59% more expensive than Lakewood.

$2,360/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 26%
$113,775/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 25%
$820,700 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 33%
$2,420/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 29%
159,201
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $614/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $7,368/year.

Median household income is $27,986/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Hayward or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Lakewood?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $614/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Lakewood?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $27,986/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Lakewood details →